Inst/Ast Prof - Fixed Term

Fixed Term • East Lansing, MI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Michigan State University’s Lyman Briggs College (LBC) seeks qualified instructors for its introductory chemistry courses through a pool posting. Specific course needs vary by semester, and the college may not need instructors in some semesters. Positions may be part-time or full-time; applications are reviewed continuously as needed. The position is fixed term.

LBC is a residential STEM college that studies science in its social, historical, and humanistic contexts. Its curriculum combines student-focused science pedagogy with interdisciplinary study of the sciences and their human and social dimensions. Teaching approaches emphasize research-informed practices, including interactive engagement and peer learning. General chemistry is taught in a two-course sequence, with concurrent but independent laboratory courses. Lectures use a mix of flipped and non-flipped approaches, with group work and active engagement in science practices. Laboratory courses involve multi-week, student-driven experiments. Undergraduate Learning Assistants support instruction under course instructors’ supervision, and instructors of multi-section courses typically collaborate closely in course design and teaching.

Applicants must meet the qualifications for the rank sought: a master’s degree for Instructor rank or a doctorate for Assistant Professor rank in chemistry, chemistry education, or a relevant field, along with teaching experience. A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for selection. Applicants will be asked to disclose relevant pending investigations, findings, or sanctions and authorize the University to contact current and former employers from the seven years before application if they reach the semi-finalist stage. A failure to sign the authorization and release results in withdrawal of the application. The University also conducts criminal background checks. A history of professional misconduct does not automatically disqualify a candidate; the University assesses its compatibility with the position.

Applications are reviewed as needed. Review begins November 16, 2026, and continues until the position is filled. The position is based in Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University.

Requirements

• Master’s degree for Instructor rank or doctorate for Assistant Professor rank, in chemistry, chemistry education, or a relevant field of study.
• Teaching experience.
• Submit a CV listing education and qualifications, publications, teaching and mentoring roles, leadership positions, contributions to the academic community, and public outreach efforts.
• Submit a teaching philosophy statement addressing evidence-based practices, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom, and student mentoring.
• Provide names and contact information for three professional references.
• Complete the professional misconduct review process, including signing the required authorization and release.

Nice To Haves

• Experience teaching chemistry in higher education.
• PhD in a relevant field.
• Experience supervising or mentoring undergraduate students.
• Experience with collaborative instruction.
• Experience as instructor of record for classes of 50–150 students.

Responsibilities

• Teach introductory chemistry courses, with course assignments depending on semester needs.
• Use research-informed, student-focused teaching approaches, potentially including interactive engagement, peer learning, flipped and non-flipped instruction, and classroom group work.
• Support students’ active engagement with science practices.
• Teach lecture and/or laboratory courses; laboratories involve multi-week, student-driven experiments.
• Supervise Undergraduate Learning Assistants who assist with instruction.
• Collaborate with other instructors in designing and teaching multi-section courses.
• Teach and mentor students.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level